A job searcher who came to The Working Centre shared this story with her employment counsellor:
I researched the definition of an elevator pitch. I read examples of hopeful executives finding themselves caught on elevators with the boss they want to impress and only one chance to be memorable. I scribbled some pithy notes about the features and benefits of eloquent editing.
At Christmas, I practiced on kindly Uncle John. He smiled and nodded, twinkled his eyes and almost patted me on the head. I felt Christmassy, loved, and twelve, but not ready. I didn't think I ever would be.
Then, while waiting in the schoolyard one day, I waved at another mom. She struck up a converation and wanted to know "What's new?" My brain fired off a few synapses: she lives in a six-bedroom McMansion... she has a live-in nanny from the Philippines... she's high up in RIM... they must need editors at RIM. For the next ninety seconds, I pitched: "... teaching experience... advantage of small business... working from home and having more time with family... using my English Lit background... meeting interesting people and making a difference in their lives... empowering people to become better writers..."
She smiled and nodded. We parted, pullin our kids and wagons behind us. After a few minutes, I heard my name. The sale! I turned around to see her jogging back towards me.
"HEY! I have to tell you that you've really inspired me! I don't want to work for a faceless corporation anymore! I want to spend more time with my kids! I want to find a way to really help people! I want to do something that I am passionate about! I WANT TO QUIT MY JOB!"
She was sold. She may not have bought exactly what I was trying to sell, but this is beside the point. After an elevator ride with me, she's changing her whole life.
